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Volleyball09/07/2016

Brazil rout the Netherlands, advance to World Grand Prix final

Bangkok, Thailand, July 9, 2016 – Brazil cruised to the final as they overpowered the Netherlands 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-23) in the first semifinal match of the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals at Indoor Stadium Huamark on Saturday.

Natalia Pereira top scored with 13 points, then captain Fabiana Claudino and Fernanda Rodrigues (Fe Garay) added 11 points apiece to spearhead the Brazilian offence. Celeste Plak had a team-high of 10 points for the Netherlands.

The Netherlands traded points with Brazil in the opening set, but Brazilian setter Danielle Lins got all the starters involved on offence, which helped the South American side gain advantage. Fabiana and Fe Garay produced well-placed serves, then Thaisa Menezes and Natalia took care of their offence from the attack line. Brazil snatched the first set 25-18.

Brazil continued to dominate in the second set, as Natalia and Fe Garay were explosive on their attacks. The Netherlands regained their composure, as Lonneke Sloetjes and Anne Buijs stepped up to try to match Brazil’s intensity. The Dutch came up short as Brazil capitalised on their combination plays that concluded the second set 25-16.

The Netherlands took the lead in the third set but Brazil managed to regroup and decrease the Dutch lead. Natalia once again stepped in on offence and overwhelmed the Dutch blockers with her sharp crosscourt spikes. Brazil still prevailed in the tight third set 25-23.